John B. Rubner, Jr., 98, a longtime resident of Plaistow, NH, formerly of Stoneham, MA, died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Lawrence General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Malden, MA, he was the son of the late John and Myrtle (Sorensen) Rubner. John attended Malden schools and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy from 1944 - 1947 and became a Shipfitter, Third Class on the U.S.S. Boxer. Following his service to his country, John worked as a Tree Surgeon and later worked for GTE Sylvania before his retirement in 1990.

He enjoyed traveling around New England, photography, and had a knack for baking bread. John was also a proud life member of DAV.

John is survived by his children; three sons, Dr. Michael Rubner, Ph.D. and his wife, Barbara of Winthrop, ME, Steven Rubner and his wife Chris of Lancaster, MA, Brian Rubner and his wife, Brooke of Goffstown, NH; two daughters, Catherine Hoctor and her husband, Tom of Stoneham, MA and Linda Kelly and her husband Bud of Newburyport, MA; nine grandchildren, Danielle, Tiffany, Katrina, Cody, Greggory, Eric, Lindsey, Ethan and Rosalie; eleven great grandchildren, Teddy, Max, Patrick, Teagan, Avery, Addaley, Andrew, Emma, Grayson, Holland and Makenna. He is predeceased by his wife, Phyllis (Redmond) Rubner, his son, John Rubner III and his two brothers, Robert Rubner and Daniel Rubner.

Private family services will take place at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH with a burial in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.